South Yorkshire Police have been highly praised in the latest annual inspection of forces by the independent police inspectors – His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

This inspection process provides assurance for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the public, that SYP is delivering efficient and effective policing services and that SYP has legitimacy with South Yorkshire’s communities.

The assessment of police effectiveness, efficiency and legitimacy has found South Yorkshire Police to be outstanding or good in nearly all areas.

The inspection looked at nine specific policing areas and grades eight of them after assessing how the force is performing. The ninth area – Providing a service to victims of crime – is ungraded, but is used to influence the graded judgements in the other eight areas.

South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings described the report as ‘an excellent overall achievement’ for the force, which has improved the way it investigates and reduces crimes, treats and protects victims and engages with communities.

“It is hard to underestimate the significance of this report and the progress being made by South Yorkshire police.

“This is an excellent overall achievement.

“We should not forget the journey the force has made. In 2016 the inspectors said the force ‘requires improvement’. Since then, it has made steady and solid progress and is now one of the top performing forces in the country.

“This is a credit to the two chief constables we have had over this time – Stephen Watson and Lauren Poultney – and the hard and dedicated work of officers and staff alike.

”It is also particularly pleasing given the financial pressures and the increase in demand that the police are currently facing.

“The inspectors have recognised the hard work and commitment of both officers and staff to provide an effective policing service to keep our communities safe from harm and to protect the most vulnerable people in society.

“The findings are hugely encouraging and recognise the significant effort and progress that have been made.

“I hope the public of South Yorkshire will take note of what the inspectorate has said and continue to support and have confidence in their police force.

“Amongst the areas praised are the force’s approach to community engagement and the fact that the force engages well with its diverse communities to respond to local problems.

“It is also particularly pleasing to see the neighbourhood policing model being described as ‘highly effective’. Just a couple of years ago I prioritised the re-instatement of a neighbourhood policing service and invested heavily into it. The model is now embedded and is greatly valued for preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.

“A number of areas of innovative practice have been highlighted including training around domestic abuse, child matters and mental health, the force’s approach to wellbeing of its officers and staff, the partnership approach to protecting vulnerable people and an effective structure to manage offenders.

“There are some areas highlighted for improvement and I will be working closely with the Chief Constable and her senior team to continue to strive for improvement and to ensure the public of South Yorkshire continue to receive the very best policing service.”

The report highlights areas where the force is doing well and where improvements could be made. The gradings awarded were:

• Engaging with and treating the public with fairness and respect – Good
• Preventing crime and anti-social behaviour – Outstanding
• Responding to the public – Adequate
• Investigating crime – Good
• Protecting vulnerable people – Outstanding
• Managing offenders and suspects – Good
• Building, supporting and protecting the workforce – Good
• Strategic planning, organisational management and value for money – Outstanding

The other area yet to be graded is:

• Disrupting serious and organised crime – this is inspected on a regional basis, rather than at local force area. This inspection is not yet complete.